Staffing Specialist

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is a district on the rise, serving over 325,000 students in 500+ schools and employing over 45,000 people, most of them teachers. CPS has set ambitious goals to ensure that every student, in every school and every neighborhood, has access to a world-class learning experience that prepares each for success in college, career, and civic life. The department of Nutrition Support Services (NSS) offers all CPS students breakfast, lunch, and afterschool meals at no charge, complying with nutrition standards set forth in the USDA’s Child Nutrition Program meal patterns.

About the role

Under the direction of the Staffing Manager, the Staffing Specialist will manage the processing of transactions related to staffing, including recruitment, temporary staffing, transfers, discipline, and working with union representatives as well as over 2,200 staff. This role provides support in responding to routine inquiries and employee concerns, and assists the department in overall staffing operations. This is a full-time, exempt position paid on a salary basis.

Responsibilities

• Execute the NSS discipline and grievance process, overseeing the scheduling of all related hearings and investigations while serving as the primary departmental representative.
• Assist with the hiring process by reviewing resumes, scheduling interviews, conducting phone screens, and processing paperwork.
• Collaborate cross-functionally across all organizational levels in a dynamic, high-volume environment, maintaining high professionalism, adaptability, and resourcefulness under pressure.
• Support training activities during professional development days and new hire orientation.
• Respond to routine inquiries related to policies and procedures, payroll, bid process, and other employment-related matters.
• Address employee concerns related to staffing at sites, verifying employee hours, and approving overtime while using relevant industry and department benchmarks.
• Conduct on-site school visits to review staffing models when necessary.
• Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School diploma or equivalent is required; Bachelor’s Degree is highly preferred.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressive human resource experience, including responsibility for maintaining computer systems.
• Previous experience working with confidential information.
• Previous customer service experience and working with all levels of management.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, and Outlook) and Google Suite.
• Experience with HRIS systems is preferred (e.g., Peoplesoft, Taleo, Oracle, and Kronos).
• Previous knowledge and experience supporting a union environment is preferred.

Skills

• Solid planning and organizational skills, capable of developing work plans and following through with limited direction and oversight.
• High standards of ethical behavior and professionalism; able to maintain objectivity and confidentiality with highly sensitive information.
• Superior organizational, time management, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Benefits

Health & Wellness

• Comprehensive health coverage for employees and eligible dependents, including medical, pharmacy, dental, and vision options.
• Behavioral Health & EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
• Employee Wellness Program.

Financial Security

• Basic Life Insurance.
• Life and Disability Insurance.
• Pension Plans.
• Supplemental Retirement Plans (403(b) and 457(b)).
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
• Spot Pet Insurance.

Work-Life Balance

• Paid Leave.
• Sick Leave.
• Vacation Days.
• Parental Leaves.
• Short-Term Disability.
• Religious Holidays.

Reference the Chicago Public Schools: A Comprehensive Benefits Overview or the benefits handbook for comprehensive details.

Pay

Estimated annual salary range: $50,000.00.

Conditions of Employment

• Establish and maintain Chicago residency within six months of hire date and throughout employment (does not apply to temporary/part-time positions).
• All employees must be residents of Illinois.